TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan Affairs Office Spokesperson Chen Binhua labeled Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presidential candidate Lai Ching-te as a "pro-Taiwan independence advocate" on Wednesday (Oct. 11), adding that advocating for Taiwanese independence would bring misfortune to the island's future generations.
At the press conference, Chen also praised former president Ma Ying-jeou for boycotting the National Day ceremony. He interpreted this act as a clear opposition to "Taiwanese independence."
Chen pointed to surveys on cross-strait relations, suggesting a growing number of Taiwanese citizens worry about "Taiwanese independence" and consecutive terms of the DPP's rule, associating "Taiwanese independence" with war.
He further criticized the DPP and pro-independence forces as the destroyers of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and the biggest disruptors of peace for Taiwan's population.
The Taiwan Affairs Office expressed appreciation to Ma Ying-jeou, along with Eric Chu and Hou Yu-ih, for refusing to attend the National Day events due to disagreement with the DPP's renaming of the event as "Taiwan National Day" in English.
Additionally, Chen stated that despite the DPP frequently hosting events associated with "Taiwan independence," it can't deter the historical trend toward China's reunification.